Blue collar apprenticeships
With trained workers exiting the skilled trades in record numbers, and with fewer native Canadians entering these fields, Canada is looking to the migrant population to fill the remainder of their blue collar needs. School-age Canadian children are being nudged into higher education and white collar jobs, leaving opportunities open for those who are willing to learn the trades.
There is a misperception regarding the earning power of skilled workers in blue collar fields and in their opportunities for advancement. Very often, blue collar work is more lucrative than general desk jobs. At present, migrants are not entering the trades to a large degree, so those who do apply for jobs find less competition and better benefits. Someone with good skills will find more employment doors open than in the white collar jobs. Under these circumstances, wages are more competitive and advancement is earned as skills are gained.
One of the best ways for any worker to become skilled in a blue collar field is to learn the trade on the job. The practice of apprenticeship offers an opportunity to learn as you go, and get paid while doing so. This benefits the employer, who can train the worker in the specific ways he needs help, and it benefits the employee, who can earn from the very beginning rather than remain completely out of the workforce while studying a trade in school. There may be classroom time required in an apprenticeship, but there is plenty of hands-on training as well. The majority of the apprentice's time is spent actually doing the job as opposed to sitting in a class.
There are many trade job categories that offer Apprenticeships. All sorts of carpentry jobs can be learned from older, experienced workers. Plumbers, pipe fitters, bricklayers, service workers, food workers, and electricians learn their trades by assisting and observing those who have been doing these jobs for many years. Older workers can not only pass along the general knowledge that is required, but can offer insight, wisdom and encouragement to the young worker who wants to excel in his trade and take pride in his expertise. Once skills are obtained, employment opportunities abound. A skilled worker is not tied to a single employer, and can have some choice in where he chooses to work.
There is ample opportunity in the blue collar fields for migrant women as well. Traditionally, they have not sought out blue collar jobs beyond the service jobs and food service. There are many opportunities available for women who want to learn carpentry and bricklaying and such, with wages that are higher than their traditional choices paid.